The Benefits of River Cruises
When you think of cruises, do you think of tiny cabins, lukewarm buffets, and crowded pool decks? Think again. Cruising may have gotten a bad rap, but it’s not all the bad food and tacky tour bus excursions. River cruise bookings have increased by 250% in the last ten years. Whether you’re new to a vacation on the high seas or a long-time cruising aficionado, here’s why you should consider a river cruise for your next holiday.
Access
Having unfettered access to waterways inaccessible by large cruise vessels means you’re not restricted to crowded port cities. On a river cruise, you’ll visit unique destinations and dock where the action is, in the town center.
With unique and imaginative itineraries, you can often visit a handful of different countries without having to pack and unpack your suitcase in between.Beaut
Beautiful Interior
Intimacy
Smaller ships = fewer guests. On average, river cruise ships host 120 guests versus the thousands housed on ocean liners. Fewer travelers on board appeal to covid-conscious travelers and those who do not enjoy crowds. You won’t find auditoriums and large-scale entertainment productions here, but rather bespoke restaurants, small intimate areas, and plenty of relaxing space.
You can forget about dark windowless staterooms, all staterooms have windows and some staterooms have balconies. Smaller ships mean less space for cabins, so the staterooms on riverboats generally run the ship's perimeter, and the upper decks provide stunning viewsA
Amazing Views
Dining
Cooking for fewer guests means chefs can up the ante and showcase creative menus with fresh and local ingredients. While you’ve been off exploring the sights, the onboard chefs have visited markets and sourced regional fare.
Don’t worry about packing your three-piece suit and evening gown for dinner. The dress code for meals is often more casual than on larger cruise ships and offers guests a relaxed, all-inclusive experience. Not only are the meals included in the price, but so are alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and shore excursions on most boats.
Exquisite dining with unparalleled service
Explorations
While you may consider river cruises suitable only for those preferring a slower pace, river cruising can offer ample excitement. From visiting a new city daily to discovering the local way of life through an intimate cultural excursion, passengers can be educated, inspired, and entirely immersed in a new destination.
Europe remains the biggest hub for river cruises, but there are plenty of other regions (and rivers!) to explore. Cruise down the Nile River in Egypt, the Yangtze River in China, the transboundary Mekong River, Russia’s Volga River, or the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers in India. Wherever you choose to explore, if you’re aboard a river cruise, prepare to have an unforgettable time!
Safari on the Chobe River
Contact me here if you’re considering booking a river cruise and don’t know where to begin. I’d love to help you!